Yuko is an East London artist, originally from Japan. She is talented, she knows London for so long and she is extremely funny. I first got in contact with Yuko’s work in my east london flatshare living room. Her paintings back then were dark and complex.I love how her work express the complexity of humans’ emotions. Then, I went to have okonomiyaki at Pacific Social Club and saw so many colourful artwork…

The illustration is a painting made by Yuko. You can also find her on Tumblr: http://yukonabeta.tumblr.com/ and also on Instagram @nabetayuko.

Now, without further due, let’s dive into her London!

Since when do you live in London? What makes London so special?

I’ve been living in London since 2000. London is special for meeting amazing people. I made such a great friends for life!

Pros / cons of living in this city?

As I live here for 16 years, i have so many things for the cons section! But the most that I’m against is the general living costs! I’ve learned how to live cheap but in general, it’s quite hard to live. Second, dirty..streets, buses, phone booth (tube is not so much..), people throw away trashes without thinking. I found it’s incredible 😦 Pros, be able to meet people from all over the world, very cosmopolitan city. (well at least it was before Brexit)

Second, dirty..streets, buses, phone booth (tube is not so much..), people throw away trashes without thinking. I found it’s incredible 😦 Pros, be able to meet people from all over the world, very cosmopolitan city. (well at least it was before Brexit)

Pros: To be able to meet people from all over the world, very cosmopolitan city. (well at least it was before Brexit)

What is your most memorable moment as a Londoner/local?

I have so many memorable moments which i don’t remember..oh but that riot in 2011! That was quite shocking!

Your favorite restaurant/brunch/pub:

• Pacific Social Club (it’s a cafe where I work, I love this place!)
• The Spurstowe Arms
• Pub Klub Trop – run by super friendly sweet french couple I recently go more often to this pub
• The Jolly Butchers
  

Your  favorite clothing/beauty shop:

Hmm, I don’t really buy cloth but if I choose, I enjoy going to charity shops.

You favorite bookshop/museum/music venue:

Books shop: Foyles it’s because it’s big and they got most books what I’m looking for. And Donlon Books, I don’t go much but it’s local and they have interesting books which you don’t really find elsewhere.

My favorite museum is the National gallery, I also like to visit commercial galleries.

Music..yes! If you are into music, definitely you will love to be in London. There are so many venues everywhere. I don’t do much clubbing but going to gig yes. I also play in the band so I’ve been around different bar, pub especially around East London. My favorite venue is Vogue Fabric in Dalston. It’s small but sound system was good and i enjoyed both as an audience and as a band.

Give us 5 hotspots right now including restaurants, shoppings, clubbing:

I don’t do eating out much but i recommend Sho Foo Doh, it’s Japanese place with a variety of interesting cocktails

E5 Bakehouse is also good, fresh bread and coffee! Cakes are soooo gooooood!!!!

Shopping, there are many vintage shops including charity shops, I would say shops between E5 and E8 area.

In your opinion how would you qualify the Londoner way of life? What is the best with Londoners?

I’m Japanese, and from a Japanese’s point of view, qualify of living in London is to have freedom for what you want to do in life. It’s tough to survive in such an expensive city pursuing your own dream. But at the same time, you can do what you want to do.

Give one word that describes your relationship with the city:

Stepping-stone